Prefabricated cabinet structure



SePt- 9, 1969 J. E. JOHNSON PREFABRICATED CABINET STRUCTURE Filed Dec. 1, 1967 Q 4 o 4. t In u 2 4 0 4 l Illlllllllllrlllllllllllll o 4 2 2 A 4. llwldlllllllvll v f 2 m 3 3 fr 6 2 f/ H 8 8 (2 m) A AIT. I3: I 2 F 8 1u: B l( Hl w mid/ 2 8 3 m 2 lo JO 3 FIG.4

INVENTOR. JOS PH E. JOHNSON FIG.5

ATTORNEY United States Patent O 3,466,106 PREFABRICATED CABINET STRUCTURE Joseph E. Johnson, 990 NE. 3rd Ave., Boca Raton, Fla. 33432 Filed Dec. 1, 1967, Ser. No. 687,273 Int. Cl. A47b 67/02, 81/00; A47f 5 08 U.S. Cl. 312-242 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A prefabricated cabinet structure comprising two or more interconnected individual cabinets, each individual cabinet having a depth not exceeding the width of a standard existing `wall stud, and a width not exceeding the existing or standard spacing betwen adjacent studs, the individual cabinets being interconnected by strips having a width substantially the thickness of an existing or standard wall stud, whereby two or more so-interconnected individual cabinets can be installed within adjacent recesses formed by Wall studs in a building wall or partition.

This invention relates to cabinet structures in general, and more particularly to a prefabricated cabinet structure comprising two or more interconnected individual cabinets adapted to lit within the spaces or recesses between adjacent studs in a building partition.

Wall cabinets in most structures are usually attached to the plastered walls and anchored to the outer edges of the studs, except in the case of bathroom medicine cabinets. In larger rooms, this arrangement is not objectionable, but in narrow rooms, such as kitchens, for example, this arrangement becomes objectionable because it deprives one of the full use of the space between the walls of the kitchen. It has been the practice in narrow rooms, like kitchens, to install the cabinets near the ceiling. While this latter arrangement permits the use of the space between walls below the cabinets, access to the cabinets is difficult, and it becomes necessary to climb a ladder or chair for access to the shelves. This is not only a nuisance, but poses an accident hazard.

It is an object of this invention to provide a novel cabinet structure that can be readily installed within the recesses formed between spaced studs in a building partition with substantially no projection within the room.

It is a further object to provide a novel cabinet structure in which all shelf space is easily accessible and couveniently useable.

It is a further object to provide a novel cabinet structure that can be installed Iwithin buildings under construction or in existing buildings by an inexperienced person.

It is a still further object to provide a novel cabinet structure consisting of two or more interconnected individual cabinets, each individual cabinet having dimensions to tit within the recess formed between adjacent studs, which structure can be quickly and easily installed.

It is a still further object to provide a novel cabinet structure comprising two or more interconnected individual cabinets, adapted to be installed Within the recesses formed between adjacent studs in a partition wall, in which access to one or more individual cabinets may be had from the rooms on either or both sides of the partition.

=With the above and other objects and advantages in view, the invention comprises a cabinet structure comprising two or more individual cabinets, each individual cabinet having a desired height, a width substantially equal to but not exceeding the standard ywidth between adjacent studs in a building partition, and a depth not greater than the width of a standard stud. The individual cabinets are interconnected by interconnecting means or strips united integrally with the outer edges of the side walls of adjacent individual cabinets to form a continuous series of interconnected individual cabinets, and the interconnecting means or strips serve to space the individual cabinets a distance substantially equal to the thickness of a standard stud, so-that, when installed, the strips rest against the forward edges of the studs with the individual cabinets fitting entirely within the recesses on "each side of the studs. The upper ends and the lower ends of adjacent individual cabinets include interconnecting reinforcing and interlocking ribs, each rib having an inturned ilange between adjacent individual cabinets adapted to engage saw cuts in a stud between a pair of adjacent ndi vidual cabinets to support the structure against vertical movement in an obvious manner.

When such a cabinet structure is installed in a partition, the doors lie substantially flush with the Iwall and there is no objectionable projection thereof into the conlines of the room in which the cabinet structure is installed.

A more detailed description of the invention appears below, reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an elevation view of my novel cabinet structure as seen when installed in a wall or partition;

FIG. 2 shows a horizontal sectional view through the cabinet structure illustrating three individual cabinets without doors, and their interconnecting means;

FIG. 3 shows a horizontal sectional view through the cabinet structure, similar to that shown in FIG. 2, and also showing the doors thereon, illustrating the structure as installed within a partition, taken on the line 3-3 of FIG. l;

FIG. 4 shows a vertical sectional view through one of the individual cabinets as taken along the line 4 4 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 5 shows a vertical sectional view through one of the individual cabinets of FIG. 4 as taken along the line 5-5 thereof; and

FIG. `6 illustrates a detail of one of the individual cabinets partially in position within a partition, taken along the line i6-6 of FIG. 3.

Referring to the several figures of the accompanying drawings wherein the same reference numerals are used to designate -corresponding elements throughout, the numeral 10 designates the cabinet structure in its entirety, and comprises three individual cabinets 12, 14 and 16, two of which are identical in construction. While the illustrated embodiment uses `three individual cabinets, it is to be understood that two individual cabinets may be used or more than three.

Each individual cabinet 12 and 16 includes a pair of side walls 18 and 20, a back wall 22, a top end wall 24 and a bottom end wall 26, forming a box-like structure closed on all sides except the front which, as explained below, will have a door for access into the individual cabinet. Cabinet 14 includes a pair of side walls 18 and 20, a top end wall 24 and a bottom end wall 26, but instead of a solid back Wall 22 as in the case of the individaul cabinets 12 and 16, the back wall 22 of individual cabinet 14 is provided with a large opening 23 for a purpose to be set out hereinafter.

The three individual cabinets 12, 14 and 16 are interconnected into a unitary cabinet structure by a pair of interconnecting means or strips 28, each strip interconnecting a side wall 18 of one individual cabinet with a side wall 20 of an adjacent individual cabinet. The strips 28 are formed integrally with the forward edges of the side wall 18 of one individual cabinet; and the side wall 20 of an adjacent individual cabinet, and extend substantially the full length of the individual cabinets as seen in broken lines in FIG. 5.

It is standard practice in the building trade in many areas to construct partitions with 2" x 4" studs extending from the oor to the ceiling, such studs being placed on 16" centers. The actual measurements of a 2 x 4 stud, after surfacing all four sides, is 1%" X 3%, the stud losing approximately 34 in width and in thickness when surfaced or smoothed. When the studs are standardly spaced 16" on centers, as required as a maximum by many building codes, the standard distances between adjoining7 studs, measured from the side of one stud to the side of the adjoining stud, is 13%.

It is one of the objects of this invention to provide a cabinet structure wherein each individual cabinet is received substantially within the recess formed between adjoining studs, and to this end, therefore, the external width of each individual cabinet may be substantially 13% inches, the depth may be substantially 3% inches and the height may be as desired. In a structure wherein there are three or more individual cabinets, the middle cabinet or cabinets should have the external widt-h of 135/6 inches, and the two end individual cabinets may have a lesser width, if desired, but should not exceed 13% inches.

The spacing of the adjoining side walls of adjacent individual cabinets is determined by the Width of the interconnecting means or strips 28. These strips, therefore should be substantially 1% inches in width, so that, when the cabinet structure is installed within a partition as shown in FIG. 3, the side walls 18 and 20 of the individual cabinets 12, 14 and 16 contact the sides of the studs, thus disposing the individual cabinets substantially entirely within the recesses formed between adjacent studs and practically utilizing otherwise wasted space, and without projecting objectionably within the rooms formed by the partitions.

It should be pointed out that the measurements in the preceding paragraphs are only exemplary. Thus, if 2 x 4 rough studs were used, or if 2 x 6" studs or any other dimension studs were used, or if the spacing on centers of the studs were more or less than 16", the measurements of the individual cabinets would be different from that given above. It is within the scope of this invention to construct the cabinet structure with individual cabinets of several different sizes to meet different standards, and the limitation of standard as used in the specification and claims should be interpreted in this intended sense.

The outer edges of the side walls 18 and 20 of the outer individual cabinets 12 and 16 have the outturned ilanges 30 and 32, respectively, to abut against the studs, as shown in FIG. 3.

Formed integrally with the forward edges of the top end walls 24 and the bottom ends walls 26 of each individual cabinet are a pair of reinforcing and interlocking ribs 34, having an inturned flange 58, for a purpose to be set forth hereinafter. Where the cabinet structure 10 is made of metal, these reinforcing and interlocking ribs 34 may be generally J-shaped in section as seen in FIG. 5, the longer leg of the I being welded, brazed or otherwise made integral with the top end wall 24 and the bottom end wall 26 of each individual cabinet 12, 14 and 16. Where the cabinet structure 10 is made of plastic, the reinforcing and interlocking ribs may have the longer leg of the I molded integrally with the top end wall 24 and the bottom end wall 26, resulting in a thickened section in these end Walls forming a reinforcing structure. The interlocking portion of the ribs 34, that is, the portion extending between the adjacent cabinets and passing over the studs 48, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, is L-shaped in section, part of the L forming the inturned ilange 58 referred to above. Each of these ribs 34 extends the length of the cabinet structure, being formed integrally with each individual cabinet, top and bottom end walls, to provide a reinforcing and an interlocking member, as well as a means to prevent vertical movement of the structure.

Each individual cabinet 12, 14 and 16 includes a plurality of shelves 36 adapted to be selectively positioned on any pairs of supporting brackets 38 struck out from the side walls 18 and 20, in a manner well known in the art. Each cabinet includes a front door 40 supported on a pair of hinges 42, and a spring clip 44 to retain the door in a closed position in a manner well known in the art.

Referring to FIG. 3, illustrating the cabinet structure positioned within a partition 46 including a series of 2" X 4 studs 48 standardly positioned 16 inches on centers, as is required by building codes in many areas throughout the country. The studs 48 support the opposite walls 50 and 52. As illustrated, the individual cabinets 12, 14 and 16 occupy the recesses formed between adjacent studs 48, the back wall 22 of each individual cabinet rests against the partition wall 50, the Side walls 18 and 20 of each individual cabinet rest against the sides of the adjacent studs 48, and the strips 28 lie against the forward edge of the studs. As shown in FIG. 6, the inturned anges 58 of the L-shaped portion of the reinforcing and interlocking ribs 34 engage saw cuts 56 in the studs 48 above and below the cabinets, which arrangement securely locks the structure 10 in position and prevents vertical movement. In addition, the wall 50' in back of the individual cabinet 14 is cut away, and a hinged door 53 is connected with the back wall of the individual cabinet 14 to allow access thereto. This arrangement finds particular advantage in a cabinet structure installed within a partition wall dividing a kitchen and a dining room. By opening the front and rear doors of an individual cabinet and removing some or all of the shelves 36, a passageway is provided through the individual cabinet, allowing the convenient passage of articles from one room to another. This cabinet arrangement permits the passage of food and dirty dishes through the individual cabinet 14 from one room to another as, for example, between the kitchen and the dining room. After the dishes have been washed, they may be stored on the shelves therein or on racks on the shelves, and the doors 40 and 53 closed. The clean dishes are thus readily available in either the kitchen or dining room, and may be conveniently reached by opening the appropriate door 40 or 53. While, in the embodiment illustrated, an opening 23 1s provided through the back wall 22 of one individual cabinet, it is evident that openings may be provided in the back walls 22 of more than one individual cabinet, or that the back walls 22 of all of the individual cabinets may be solid and access to the individual cabinets had from only the front thereof.

The side walls 18 and 20 of each individual cabinet 12, 14 and 16 have a series of spaced holes 60 through which nails or screws may be driven or turned into the adjacent stud 48 to secure the individual cabinets in place.

Each door 40 and 53 includes a recess 54 for receiving a nger for opening the doors.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the doors 40 project slightly within the room in which the cabinet structure 10 is installed. By constructing the doors of thinner material, it is possible for the outer surface of the doors to lie ush with the wall 52, if desired.

The cabinet structure 10 may be made of metal or any suitable plastic, such as high impact polystyrene plastic, and the doors may be made of metal or wood, or glass, and instead of being hinged, sliding doors may be used, as well known in the art.

From the foregoing, it is evident that I have invented a novel cabinet structure that is easy to install, and which will accommodate such articles as canned and packaged foods, most of which are distributed in sizes which will conveniently fit within the space provided.

Iclaim:

1. A prefabricated cabinet structure comprising at least two individual cabinets adapted to be installed within the standard spaces between studs in a wall partition, each individual cabinet having a width not exceeding the standard spacing between adjacent wall studs, and having side walls of a depth not exceeding the depth of standard wall studs, and means interconnecting the outer edges of the side walls at the open ends of adjacent individual cabinets into a unitary structure, said interconnecting means having a dimension at least equal to the thickness of a standard stud and adapted to contact a stud and to position the interconnected individual cabinets on opposite sides of the stud, whereby each individual cabinet may be set into the recess `formed between a pair of adjacent studs.

2. A Prefabricated cabinet structure as defined in claim 1, in which each individual cabinet has a width substantially equal to the standard spacing between adjacent studs.

3. A Prefabricated cabinet structure as defined in claim 1, in which each individual cabinet has a back wall, a top end wall and a bottom end wall, doors closing the open front ends of the individual cabinets, the back wall of at least one individual cabinet having an opening therethrough, and a door closing said opening.

4. A Prefabricated cabinet structure as defined in claim 1, in which each individual cabinet has a back wall, a top end wall and a bottom end wall, and a reinforcing and interlocking rib extending along the end Walls of adjacent cabinets and integral therewith and interconnecting an end wall of one cabinet with an end wall of an adjacent cabinet.

5. A prefabricated cabinet structure as defined in claim 4, in which said reinforcing and interlocking rib comprises a generally J-shaped mem-ber having a portion thereof extending between adjacent cabinets and adapted to pass over and engage saw cuts in interposed studs.

6. A prefabricated cabinet structure as defined in claim 4, in which said reinforcing and interlocking rib is L- shaped between adjacent cabinets, part of said L-shaped portion forming an inturned flange adapted to engage saw cuts in interposed studs.

7. A prefabricated cabinet structure as defined in claim 1, in which each individual cabinet has a back wall, a top end wall and a bottom end Wall, a first reinforcing and interlocking rib extending along the top eind walls of adjacent cabinets and integral with and interconnecting the top end wall of one individual cabinet with the top end wall of an adjacent individual cabinet, and a second reinforcing and interlocking rib extending along the bottom end walls of adjacent cabinets and integral with and interconnecting the bottom end wall of one individual cabinet with the bottom end wall of an adjacent individual cabinet.

i 8. A Prefabricated cabinet structure comprising at least two individual cabinets adapted to be installed within the standard spaces between studs in a wall partition, each individual cabinet having a width not exceeding the standard spacing between adjacent wall studs, each individual cabinet having a back wall, a top end wall and a bottom end wall, and side walls, said side walls having a depth not exceeding the depth of standard wall studs, and means interconnecting the front edges of the side walls of adjacent individual cabinets into a unitary structure, said interconnecting means having a dimension at least equal to the thickness of a standard stud and adapted to contact a stud and to position the interconnected individual cabinets on opposite sides of the stud, whereby each individual cabinet may fbe set. into the recess formed between a pair of adjacent studs, a first reinforcing and interlocking rib interconnecting the top end wall of one individual cabinet with the top end wall of an adjacent individual cabinet, and a second reinforcing and interlocking rib interconnecting the bottom end wall of one individual cabinet with the bottom end wall of an adjacent individual cabinet, each reinforcing and interlocking rib including an -L-shaped member extending between adjacent cabinets, a part of said L-shaped member forming an inturned flange adapted to engage saw cuts in interposed studs.

9. A prefabricated cabinet structure as: defined in claim 1, in which said interconnecting means comprises a strip extending substantially the height of the individual cabinets and formed integrally with the forward edges of the adjacent sides thereof.

10. A prefabricated cabinet structure as defined in claim 1, in which the forward edges of the outer side walls of the outer individual cabinets include outturned flanges adapted to engage the outer edges of adjacent studs.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,843,264 2/1932 Baies S12-242 2,752,217 6/1956 Simon 312-242 3,095,249 6/1963 Albrecht 312--242 3,097,901 7/1963 Schloss 312-330 3,314,741 4/1967 Litner 312--242 3,331,645 7/ 1967 Vercellotti S12-248 CASMIR A. NUNBERG, Prima-ry Examiner U.S. C1. X.R. 

